Generational stereotyping

Technical problems meant that many applicants were unable to access the website before all of the available railcards were allocated.

A £12 minimum fare applies for journeys starting between 4:30am and 10am between Monday and Friday, excluding Advance Fares. The ‘Avocard’ does not incorporate a photograph, but holders must also carry photo ID to prove that they are the holder.

According to Virgin’s terms and conditions, the ‘Avocard’ and any tickets bought with it are not transferable and must not be given, loaned, or resold to anyone else. You do not need to hand over the avocado, only show it to staff.

The company also want to firmly remind customers that “fraudulent use of #Avocard and #Avocard discounted tickets may lead to criminal prosecution.”

The West Coast Main Line connects major cities including London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, and Glasgow.

Only the Virgin Trains West Coast parts of the journey are entitled to the discount. So if you are travelling Manchester Piccadilly-Brighton, only the Manchester-London Euston part is discounted.

Criticism

Many were unhappy with what they saw as casual generational stereotyping from the rail franchise, some complaining in response to the tweet and on the hashtag.

Hmmm feeling like virgin really don’t know their market. “Hey millennial’s like avocados right?” Would love to see the market research that suggested this was the best campaign idea… #Avocardhttps://t.co/SzSFhkWHIH

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